To get the best results from your gastric balloon procedure it is crucial that you understand and follow a strict post-operative diet.
A Gastric Balloon is a very effective weight loss solution, however requires the patient to adhere to some important dietary choices in order for it to be as successful as possible.
Post Gastric Balloon Diet
First 3 days - Liquids ONLY
For the first three days you should have liquids only. Aim for 8 cups per day and have the drinks in small, regular sips.
Drinks to choose are:
- Semi-skimmed milk - 600ml (1 pint) per day
- Low calorie / reduced sugar squash
- Tea / herbal teas
- Coffee
- Diluted fruit juice (1/2 juice, 1/2 water)
- Bovril, Oxo, Marmite diluted in water
Multivitamin Supplement
It is important that you take a daily multivitamin and calcium supplement and we recommend The Hospital Group's Multivitamin Drink and Calcichew (1/day). Take these for the 6 months that the balloon is inserted.
3 - 10 days - Soft Food ONLY
- You will be able to introduce blended / soft foods into your diet in very small portions (using a tea plate instead of a dinner plate can be helpful).
- You should follow the healthy eating advice given at your assessment.
Your food should be taken as 4-5 small meals a day
Highly seasoned foods and hard fruit and vegetables may be best avoided.
Continue to have semi-skimmed milk – 300ml (½ pint) per day.
Post-Gastric Balloon diet meal ideas
Breakfast
1 Weetabix or 3tbsp porridge with 150ml milk from allowance
Mid-morning
1-2tbsp low fat yogurt
1-2tbsp soft/blended fruit
Lunch
1-2tbsp lean meat/fish/egg blended with gravy or a sauce
1-2tbsp mashed potato or well cooked rice
1-2tbsp soft/blended vegetable
Mid afternoon
1-2tbsp low fat yogurt
1-2tbsp soft/blended fruit
Evening meal
1-2 tbsp lean meat/fish/egg blended with gravy or a sauce
1-2tbsp mashed potato or well cooked rice
1-2tbsp soft/blended vegetable
Bedtime
1-2tbsp fromage frais
1-2tbsp soft/blended fruit
Between meals
Low calorie drinks, e.g. tea, coffee, Bovril, diluted fruit juice
10 days and over - "Normal" diet
- By this time you can resume a more normal diet!
- Pasta has a tendency to ‘stick’ and may be best avoided.
- Make sure to drink after each meal to rinse the balloon - water is best.
- You should continue to take your vitamin and mineral supplement.
- Follow the healthy eating guidelines you were given before you operation when planning meals.
- Do not lie down immediately after a meal
- If you vomit after a meal follow the soft/blended ideas for the next three meals.
Ideas for Meals
Breakfast
150ml/¼pint of unsweetened fruit juice
High fibre cereal, e.g. 1 Weetabix
or 3 tablespoons of porridge with 150ml/¼pint semi-skimmed milk
or 1 slice toast with low fat spread
Mid morning
Sugar free drink
Lunch
60g/2oz lean meat, chicken, fish, lentils, baked beans or one egg, 1 slice bread
or 1-2 tablespoons of cooked rice or pasta
or 1-2 tablespoons of mashed potato
or 1-2 boiled eggs sized potato (no added fat)
2 tablespoons vegetables or salad
1 portion fruit or low fat yoghurt
Mid afternoon
Sugar free drink
Dinner
60g/2oz lean meat, chicken, fish, lentils, baked beans or one egg
1 slice bread
or 1-2 tablespoons cooked rice or pasta
or 1-2 tablespoons instant potato
or 1-2 boiled eggs sized potato (no added fat)
2 tablespoons vegetables or salad
1 portion fruit or low fat yoghurt
Bedtime
Sugar free drink
Gastric Balloon Diet Food Diary
Our dietitians will ask all patients to keep a food diary to record their food and liquid intake, exercise and any comments. This is reviewed on a regular basis to help you get the greatest benefit from your treatment. Any bariatric procedure is a tool, or a starting point for your weight loss journey - you do the work in terms of managing your diet, but the bariatric procedure will help enormously. Click here to open a food diary.
Further Information On Dieting After A Gastric Balloon
Allergan, the manufacturer of Gastric Balloon, have produced dietery information leaflets for Pre gastric balloon and Post gastric balloon, which you may find of further assistance
